JEDDAH, 12 November 2006 — The nine-day Al-Jawal-sponsored 2006-07 Saudi Basketball Federation Season got off to a flying start in Madinah on Thursday at the Prince Mohammed ibn Abdul Aziz Sports City Stadium. Game One between Al-Wehda and Al-Qadisiya was the best of the night during the first day’s action. The game featured tight defense from both sides with the lead changing hands many times. In the third quarter, both teams scored only 11 points each.
Al-Qadisiya squeezed out a 56-53 victory, with coach Ali Sanhani, whose side deserved the win, ringing in last-minute changes that paid dividends. Uthman Brnawi, Al-Wehda’s star point guard, was the topscorer with 20 points. Ried Idresi was lead scorer for Al-Qadisiya with 18 points.
The outcome of the second game between Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal was evident after the first quarter. Al-Ahli took a big lead and was in total control. The coach introduced bench players in the second quarter and ended the half with a 15-point lead — Al-Ahli 36-Al-Hilal 21. The final score was Al-Ahli 69 and Al-Hilal 50. Khalid Falatha led the scoring with 18 for Al-Ahli with Yassar Muhtur scoring 14 points. Al-Hilal had Turki Al-Turki hitting 14 points and Abdul Rahman Dosri notching 12 points. Khalid and Yassar showed some good moves for Al-Ahli.
In the third game, Al-Ohud romped past Al-Nasr. The first quarter star guard Abdul Mohsen and center Waleed Al-Madani set the pace and delighted the hometown cheerers. Al-Ohud scored 26 while Al-Nasr struggled for their 13 points. The starters played briefly in the second half for the fans then the bench showed their skills. The final score was Al-Ohud 82 and Al-Nasr 57.
Day two of the tournament started on a sad note, Abdul Mohsen, the star of Al-Ohud did not play as his father had passed away that morning. The basketball community and the fans were deeply saddened.
In Game One, Al-Nahdah beat Al-Masirah 79-64. Al-Nahdah’s Fahad Ahmad set the tone early in the game with some incisive passes and scoring baskets from every position at the court. He scored 37 points while Fazi Hajji added 14. Al-Masirah’s Tahad Kissar had 25 while Nada Arman and Mobruk scored 15 each.
Game Two was between Al-Wehda and Al-Ohud. In the first possession Uthman Brnawi, Al-Wehda’s star guard, tore a ligament in his knee and was carried off the court. Without Uthman, Al-Wehda had over 20 turnovers in the first half and was losing by 18 points 26 to 44. Al-Ohud won the game 87-58. Al-Ohud’s Mohammed Musa scored 21, and Mohammed Abu Jebel scored 18 points. Al-Wehda’s Rashad Brnawi scored 19 and Ahmed Mosley scored 11.
Al-Ittihad played Al-Qadisiya the day’s last game. It was a blowout with Al-Ittihad scoring 67 and Al-Qadisiya 44. Adel Mowallad scored 20 points for Al-Ittihad and Adel Al-Kuwaiti scored 11 for Al-Qadisiya.
